But here is why I am confused: knowing that 1+1 is 2 is crystallized, because I directly think "the answer is 2" when I wonder about it. But I don't directly think anything about what 34+55 is, so to solve it I have to use fluid intelligence. But what goes through my mind as I solve it, are simply several layers of crystallized intelligence. First I think "I add each digit independently." Then I think "5+4=9" so something-9, and "3+5=8" so 8-something, and they go together so 8-9, 89. So I don't see how solving a "new" math problem is any different than solving an already known math problem. It seems that the only difference are how elaborate, or how many steps are involved. But if that is the case, then concepts that are bigger would seem to be by their nature more fluid. And that's just even more confusing! Agh!
Would you be willing to explain to me the difference between crystallized and fluid intelligence? I should understand them... but I don't, and google didn't really help. (And why am I posting this here? Because I DO understand that I get gold for this, but not private messages. )
I know there are so many of us psychotic people in the world, but every time I see another one, I feel like there is something to count. Thanks for that.
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